PP again--sounds like a tour would be ideal for you. One thing that the principal mentioned repeatedly during the info session was the number of community and family events held throughout the year (math nights, dances, book fairs, community service etc) as well as a new after school program that offers dozens of clubs and activities completely free (since so many kids can't afford to pay for anything extra). All kids can lottery into a club or activity (things like yoga, science, basketball, chess etc). Anyway--I hope you and your child are able to find a school that is a good match for your family--whether it's Barcroft, Randolph or something else.

I will contact them to set up a tour. I'm interested in the feel of the school and it's community. My kid doesn't need any special help academically, but I would like him to be in a cheerful, interesting, welcoming classroom. I found Barcroft to be gloomy. I know it's hard to get a good read from one visit, but I left feeling unexcited about going back.

PP again. Also, Randolph will have 4 kindergartens next year (this year they have 3) which means that classes will likely be pretty small. This year the 3 classes all started with 19 or 20 students (with a teacher and a full time assistant plus ESL and reading assistants etc coming in). There is some transience so the class sizes are slightly bigger now (I think they all have 21 or 22). I attended one of the info sessions and really enjoyed the presentation by a current K teacher. They talked a lot about the IB program and I feel as if I have a better feel for what it means. There is a big emphasis on instilling curiosity in kids---getting them to think about what questions to ask and making them active in their own learning process. It is the school with the most ESL students of the county and kids speak more than 30 languages. There was a lot of talk about the teams across grades and the differentiation and assistants and specialists who come in and work with the kids in very small groups. This was also evident during the tour of the school. The facility is older but they are getting a new playground this summer.

Great, I'll do that. Thank you.

I am the PP whose child is attending Randolph. Dr. Snyder, the principal is very happy to talk to potential parents and arrange tours. You can email her directly or call the school. I encourage you to do so. The people on the PTA Board are also very friendly and I'm sure would be willing to talk to you.

Interesting to hear that the school calendar for Barcroft may change. That could affect our decision. I wonder if I called the school (or someone else?) they would speak to that?

I toured Barcroft, but couldn't make the Randolph one I originally intended to go to. Will they give a tour outside of those?

OP, can you tour the schools?

I have heard from APS teachers that Barcroft will no longer be a year-round school, starting in fall 2017.

I don't have tons to add, but my child will be attending Randolph next year. All of my interactions with school staff and teachers have been positive. I have heard the principal hint that she may be there longer but I don't really know what she meant. In any case I'm sure there will be a pretty extensive search for the new principal. That said I also know two families with kids at Barcroft and they are happy.

Resurrecting this thread in hopes of hearing some more recent feelings about those with experience with Barcroft and/or Randolph.

I know Barcroft will be getting a new principal year, and that Randolph's principal will be leaving after next year.

Can anyone provide any feedback about the community feel of these schools, the teachers, classroom environment, etc.? With these as your choices, which would you pick and why?

I am aware that these are not the preferred schools of many on this forum and that moving to N. Arlington is the advice of many - so no need to rehash that here.

Thanks for any insight!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Neither are well regarded. Try for Glebe instead.

These posts piss me off. SOME OF US can't afford to live in high priced neighborhoods. Stop shaming.

Condos for your child's future

So more people can cry about the trailers at McKinley?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Neither are well regarded. Try for Glebe instead.

These posts piss me off. SOME OF US can't afford to live in high priced neighborhoods. Stop shaming.

Condos for your child's future

Anonymous wrote:Neither are well regarded. Try for Glebe instead.

These posts piss me off. SOME OF US can't afford to live in high priced neighborhoods. Stop shaming.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since people can transfer out of Barcroft, into Randolph, the affluent families of Barcroft should transfer. They may be able actually improve the demographics of one of those schools in a meaningful way. Having middle class kids from both Barcroft and Douglas Park might actually be enough of a critical mass to improve the mix.

They need to provide transportation.

Honestly, why don't they? They shuttle everyone else around the entire county with their special programs.

is it true they don't?

Because no Barcroft families do this. Why would they put their kid on a bus to be the only white middle class kid in a failing school? If they don't do Barcroft elementary, they do choice or private.

Now, if those civic associations got together and tried to take over Randolph... I'm sure they could get buses. The Arlington way is the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Those neighborhoods have been silent. Hell, Randolph's heat was broken a few years back. The kids were sitting there in winter coats. Can you imagine that happening at Nottingham!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since people can transfer out of Barcroft, into Randolph, the affluent families of Barcroft should transfer. They may be able actually improve the demographics of one of those schools in a meaningful way. Having middle class kids from both Barcroft and Douglas Park might actually be enough of a critical mass to improve the mix.

They need to provide transportation.

Honestly, why don't they? They shuttle everyone else around the entire county with their special programs.

is it true they don't?